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5 Common Home Inspection Flaws with Simple Fixes

As a franchise owner for one of the most trusted names in home inspections, my colleagues and I recognize that homebuyers can feel anticipation as they await the delivery of their home inspection report. They want to know which identified problems are deal breakers, which can be fixed after the purchase inexpensively or with a contractor, and which may warrant negotiations with the seller prior to closing. Let's talk about five common conditions that won’t break the bank.

Exposed junction boxes. Junction boxes protect electrical connections from accidental damage and contain sparks and heat from a loose connection or short circuit, so while important they are easy to fix. A basic cover costs less than a $1 at a home improvement store, and you can install it yourself with just a screwdriver. In a couple minutes, you’ll have removed a fire hazard and covered up an unattractive exposed box.

Bathroom fan doesn’t exhaust to the outside. Any fan that doesn’t vent properly can turn into a costly problem. In the case of the bathroom, an improperly vented fan means the damp, warm air gets sent to the attic where it’s trapped and has the potential to create mold or damage to the roofing. A professional can fix most bathroom ventilation issues for less than $200*, which is a small investment that can reduce the likelihood of much bigger issues in the long run.

Improper drainage of roof runoff. Gutters and downspouts play an important role in diverting water away from the house. But if your downspouts don’t extend far enough, they won’t do the trick. Fortunately, extensions can be added for under $10.00. Downspout extensions are easy to install and can even be moved if you need to mow around them. Water around the foundation should never be overlooked. This is a simple fix that could cost thousands if ignored.

High radon levels. A high radon reading sounds scary and with good reason. High amounts of radon in your home can increase your risk of lung cancer after prolonged exposure. But, mitigating radon is possible and fixing the problem is definitely worth the expense. Check out this guide from the EPA for more information on options to consider to mitigate radon and how to pick a qualified contractor.

Leaky roofs. Finding water entering a house from the roof is generally bad news. The good news is that most roof leaks are not roof leaks at all. Flashings which are the angled barriers found around roof openings such as chimneys are prone to wear and leakage. Replacing a flashing or simply caulking it will often do the trick for a fraction of the cost of a roof repair.

After every home inspection, our trained inspectors will explain their findings on each item on the inspection report objectively and professionally. We also take the time to show you how to operate the systems in the home and give you tips on maintaining your home to help you prevent unnecessary repairs.

When you are ready to buy your home, contact HouseMaster. The added education we provide will give you greater confidence in your home purchase. An expert, unique home inspection experience is just a click away.

RepairWise™ Cost Estimate

The Repair Estimate Report function is a third-party tool that allows you to create a report documenting the
estimate of the costs of repairs or projects that may be required or desired in your home. You can create a repair
estimate report either as a part of the home purchase process or once you move into your new home and begin making
repairs, or remodeling.

Additional reports can be purchased at the rate of $29.00 per report

The data used in these reports are generated by Xactware. Xactware's cost data is used by both insurers who are
responsible for at least one out of every two property claims in the United States and Canada, and by more than 80
percent of contractors and service providers in the repair and remodeling industries who utilize computerized
estimating systems. Simply put, Xactware's pricing data is the most used source for estimating repair and remodeling
costs.

Pay With Credit Card

RepairWise™ Access

Total: $29.00

RepairWise™ is a registered trademark of Xactware Solutions, Inc. The RepairWise™ application
allows users to create repair or project estimate reports based on data from Xactware Solutions, Inc. you
understand that this is a third party product made available to you and that the independently owned and
operated HouseMaster franchisee and the HouseMaster franchisor, HM Services, LLC, have no responsibility
for the content provided. Xactware bases every repair estimate report on aggregated data from various sources
and methodologies. For more information regarding Xactware's pricing methodology click here
to download. Further additional costs for hidden damage or unusual or unforeseen circumstances. It is
recommended that you contact a service provider for a written estimate as to you particular project.
Additionally, depending on the level of service purchased, additional fees for a RepairWise™ Report
may be assessed for each completed property estimate report and/or if a new property estimate report is created.